A contact element for a plug connector and plug connector with such contact element

Abstract

The invention relates to a one-piece electrical contact element (4a, 4b, 4c) for a plug connector (1), comprising one electrically conductive first base body (6) and one electrically conductive second base body (7) arranged coaxially with respect to a centre axis and at a distance to each other, and an electric circuit assembly (8), which is arranged between and in alignment with the first base body (6) and the second base body (7) and electrically connects the base bodies (6, 7) to one another via at least one conductor track (9), wherein the electric circuit assembly (8) is configured such that the one-piece electrical contact element (4a, 4b, 4c) has no projection of the electric circuit assembly (8) relative to the first base body (6) and the second base body (7), wherein the contact element is configured to conduct at least part of a current flow via the at least one conductor track (9) of the electric circuit assembly (8). Further, the electric circuit assembly (8) forms part of exactly one one-piece electrical contact element (4a, 4b, 4c). The invention also relates to a plug connector (1) with at least one contact element (4a) and a method of producing such contact element (4a).

Description

A contact element for a plug connector and plug connector with such contact elementFIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a contact element for a plug connector and a method for producing thereof. The present disclosure further relates to a plug connector, in particular an industrial plug connector in the rail sector. Such a plug connector is required to produce a pluggable, electrically conductive connection between an opposing electric plug and the contact element within the plug connector.BACKGROUND

[0002] EP 4 250 498 A1 discloses a contact element for a plug connector, comprising a conductive contact element body having at least one adaptation structure which is designed and provided to adapt and / or adjust electrical properties of the contact element and / or the plug connector by modifying the adaptation structure.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a compact contact element for a plug connector and a densely packaged plug connector which enables highly modular measurements and control of electrical signals.

[0004] The object of the present invention is met by a one-piece electrical contact element for a plug connector, the contact element comprising an electrically conductive first base body and an electrically conductive second base body arranged coaxially with respect to a centre axis and at a distance to each other, and an electric circuit assembly, which is arranged between and in alignment with the first base body and the second base body and electrically connects the base bodies to one another via at least one conductor track, wherein the contact element is configured to conduct at least part of a current flow via the at least one conductor track of the electric circuit assembly. Further, the electric circuit assembly is configured such that the one-piece electrical contact element has no projection of the electric circuit assembly relative to the firstbase body. In other words, the electric circuit assembly does not extend radially from the centre axis of the one-piece electrical contact element beyond the first base body and the second base body. The centre axis describes the direction of alignment of the first base body, the electric circuit assembly and the second base body and is preferably defined by the insertion direction of the one-piece electrical contact element and preferably extends parallel thereto. Additionally, the electric circuit assembly forms part of exactly one one-piece electrical contact element.

[0005] The contact element is rod shaped or pin shaped. Therefore, the base bodies are also rod-shaped or pin shaped. The base bodies each form a distal end of the contact element. The contact element is configured to transmit electricity. The contact element is part of a plug connecter which is configured to realize an electrically conductive connection between an opposing electric plug. The contact element described herein is configured to conduct direct currents (DC) and / or alternating currents (AC). The contact element can realize a current carrying capacity of preferably 20A, 40A, 60A, 80A or 100A.

[0006] However, if electronic circuits / integrated circuits are used integral with the contact element, said circuits may be suitable for measuring or controlling currents of a small amperage, such as 10 mA or less.

[0007] The base bodies of the contact element consist at least partially of a highly conductive material, preferably copper, aluminum, brass, gold, platinum, or a combination thereof. At least parts of one or both base bodies can have a surface coating. The base bodies can be made for crimping.

[0008] The electric circuit assembly is placed within the contact element, which not only saves space, but also allows for individual functionality for the contact element. In other words, the electric circuit assembly is part of the contact element. This is beneficial for the case, when two or more such contact elements are arranged within one plug connector. In particular, the placement of the electric circuit assembly inside the contact element allows for individual handling of signals and a multitude of tiny, purpose made, electric circuit assemblies rather than a single large one. This does not only increase the customization, but also reduces mechanical stress and allows for a higher packaging density.

[0009] One or both base bodies can have a recess configured to receive a section of the electric circuit assembly. The recess is configured such that a receptaclecorresponding to the design of a board or a section of the electric circuit assembly is provided. In particular, the recess can have a contact surface for the electric circuit assembly via which the respective base body is mechanically connected to a board or a segment of the electric circuit assembly as well as electrically conductively connected to the conductor track of the electric circuit assembly.

[0010] A conductor track is an electrically conductive pathway or trace used to connect electronic components, in particular the two base bodies, to one another. The at least one conductor track can be made of copper. A base material, usually an insulator like FR4 (fiberglass-reinforced epoxy resin) or the like, is coated with a thin layer of copper. Then, a certain pattern is created through etching or stamping to establish the desired electrical connections. The primary function of the at least one conductor track is to transmit electrical signals and / or power between the base bodies and other optional components or elements of the contact element, in particular elements which are arranged and electrically connected on the electric circuit assembly. Other components can be integrated circuits, resistors, capacitors, inductors, connectors, sensors, interfaces for external connection and / or the like.

[0011] The contact element according to this disclosure is an easy-to-construct and space-saving solution that makes it possible to pass electrical signals and / or power through the contact element and, if necessary, simultaneously measure and / or control them.

[0012] Because of the integrated electric circuit assembly, a contact element of this type does not require two more components to get on and of the electric circuit assembly in order to measure and / or control of typical electrical quantities, voltage and / or current. With such a contact element, a modular concept can be realized for a plug connector that enables the measurement and / or control of electrical quantities, voltage and / or current for each contact element, especially for the case when several contact elements are provided in a single plug connector. Such a contact element is advantageous for densely packed plug connectors, as a large number of contact elements can be arranged on a comparatively small cross-sectional area.

[0013] In one option of the disclosure, the electric circuit assembly comprises a printed circuit board (PCB), wherein the at least one conductor track is arranged on a board of said printed circuit board, which is mechanically attached to the first basebody and the second base body. The conductor track is also electrically connected to the base body at the same time.

[0014] A “PCB”, or "Printed Circuit Board", is a flat board that carries and connects electronic components. It is made of an insulating material with at least one conductor track, preferably a plurality of conductor tracks, each applied to its board.

[0015] In a further option of the disclosure, the contact element is at least partially encapsulated in an electrically insulating manner. In other words, at least a partial area or section of the contact element is coated with an insulating material. The insulating material is formed as a casting compound, varnish, resin, silicone, fiber-reinforced plastic, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment the electric circuit assembly is arranged in this partial area and is therefore at least partially enclosed by the insulating material. In a further embodiment, the electric circuit assembly is fully encapsulated in an electrically insulating manner. After covering the electric circuit assembly with the insulating material, the insulating material can be processed such that the insulating material becomes an insulating body spatially between the base bodies. A fully encapsulated electric circuit assembly can achieve better thermal conductivity.

[0016] In an alternative option of the disclosure, the electric circuit assembly comprises an electric circuit base structure configured as a molded interconnect device (MID), preferably a three-dimensional molded interconnect device (3D-MID). In this process, metallic conductor tracks are integrated into an injection-molded plastic carrier. A component produced in this way is referred to as an injection-molded circuit carrier. This technology allows the integration of the at least one conductor track and other optional three-dimensional components into a single device or body. The MID- technology combines the benefits of injection molding of plastics with the integration of conductive traces to create complex electronic components.

[0017] The base material for 3D-MID can be a thermoplastic polymer. This material is molded into a desired three-dimensional shape using injection molding techniques. Preferably, the electric circuit assembly has the same outer diameter as the base bodies in order to form the contact element in a pin or rod shape.

[0018] The at least one conductor track is integrated into the plastic using metallization techniques such as electroplating or chemical deposition. The at least one conductor track facilitates the electrical connection between the base bodies and further optional components on the 3D-MID electric circuit assembly.

[0019] In contrast to traditional flat circuit boards, especially PCBs, 3D-MID allows for the creation of three-dimensional components. This means that the components can have more complex shapes and structures, which is particularly advantageous when space is a critical factor.

[0020] A 3D-MID electric circuit assembly enables the integration of electronic components, such as resistors, capacitors, chips, interfaces, and / or sensors directly into the component itself. This contributes to a compact design and reduces the number of separate components. Hence, 3D-MID allows for space savings and provides design possibilities that are challenging to achieve with conventional approaches.

[0021] In a further option of the disclosure, a first electronic component is integral with the electric circuit assembly, wherein the first electronic component is connected to the at least one conductor track. The first electronic component is a device configured to measure a current flow in the at least one conductor track and / or to measure a current intensity of a current flow in the at least one conductor track and / or to interrupt a current flow in the at least one conductor track. The electric circuit assembly can also be configured to use part of the current flow in the conductor track to supply the first electronic component with electrical energy. The first electronic component is attached to the circuit aboard being connected to the at least one conductor track. The first electronic component can be an Integrated Circuit (IC) which provides terminals for connection to other parts of a electric circuit assembly, in particular the at least one conductor track. Via the IC measurement and / or controlling of signals which are transmitted via the at least one conductor track is possible.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, a second electronic component is integral with the electric circuit assembly, wherein the second electronic component is connected to the first electronic component and / or the at least one conductor track. The electric circuit assembly can be configured to use part of the current flow in the conductor track to supply the second electronic component with electrical energy. The second electronic component can be connected directly to the conductor track and is therefore connected indirectly to the first electronic component. Alternatively the second electronic component can be connected directly to the first electronic component.

[0023] In one option, the second electronic component comprises a first interface configured for wireless communication with an external device. In this sense, thesecond electronic component can be formed as a module for wireless communication. The module utilizes at least one of the following standards for data transmission: Bluetooth, WLAN, NFC, Zigbee or the like.

[0024] Alternatively, the electric circuit assembly comprises a second interface for contacting a conductor of a cable connection. The second interface can be part of the first or second electronic component. The second interface can be part of the at least one conductor track. Via the second interface and the cable connection the first and / or the second electronic component can be supplied with electrical energy. Depending on the position of the contact element in a connection chain serially connecting a plurality of contact elements with each other, the cable connection can connect the electric circuit assembly of a first contact element to another electric circuit assembly of a second contact element or the electric circuit assembly of a first contact element to an external device, in particular an external controller board of a plug connector or another device.

[0025] The object of the present invention is also met by a plug connector, the plug connector comprising at least one one-piece electrical contact element according to the first aspect of this disclosure as well as an insulating body having a plurality of through openings, wherein each through opening is configured to receive the respective one-piece electrical contact element.

[0026] The through openings of the insulating body are built complementary to the respective contact element so that the contact element is arranged to conduct electricity or can be connected to other elements in an electrically conductive manner.

[0027] In one option of this disclosure, the plug connector comprises two or more one-piece electrical contact elements, the contact elements being connected to each other in a signal-transmitting manner via a respective interface. Each contact element is arranged in a respective through opening of the insulating body, which forms a module or segment of a housing or the housing of the plug connector. A “signaltransmitting manner” can be a wired connection between at least two contact elements or a wireless connection between at least two contact elements depending on the design and functionalities of the electronic component or electronic components arranged on the electric circuit assembly of each contact element.

[0028] In a further option of this disclosure, the one-piece electrical contact elements are connected in series. In other words, the contact elements can bearranged in a fairy light manner interlinking the contact elements, in particular the second interfaces of the respective electric circuit assemblies. The conductor of the cable connection can be a ribbon cable. By connecting the contact elements in series, only one signal output at the end of the chainlike arrangement needs to be provided for connection to a controller board or the like.

[0029] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is met by a method of producing a contact element according to the first aspect of this disclosure, the method comprising the following steps: providing a first base body, a second base body and a electric circuit assembly having at least one conductor track, arranging the electric circuit assembly spatially between and in alignment with the base bodies and attaching the electric circuit assembly to the base bodies, and contacting the at least one conductor track to each base body thereby forming a permanent electrical connection between the at least one conductor track and each base body.

[0030] In step the base bodies are arranged coaxially and with a distance to each other, wherein the electric circuit assembly is arranged between the base bodies and attached to each of them according to step. After step said parts of the contact element are arranged in a single-piece design. In the following step the conductor track of the electric circuit assembly is connected to the base bodies in order to obtain an electrically conductive one-piece electrical contact element, wherein the one-piece contact element is configured to conduct at least part of a current flow via the at least one conductor track of the electric circuit assembly. Steps, namely the attachment of the electric circuit assembly to the base bodies and, namely the electrical connection of the conductor track to the base bodies, can be carried out at the same time.

[0031] In one option of the disclosure, the method further comprises the step, wherein at least part of the electric circuit assembly is covered with an insulating material to obtain an insulating body. Step is carried out after step. Preferably the whole electric circuit assembly is covered by the insulating material to encapsulate the electric circuit assembly. Depending on the insulation material the method can further comprise a step to obtain the insulating body by curing or hardening the insulating material. As a result of the curing, the electric circuit assembly is enclosed or encapsulated by the insulating body in a way that protects the electric circuit assembly from external interference, dirt and / or moisture.

[0032] When the electric circuit assembly comprises a second interface for contacting a conductor of a cable connection, the method can also comprise a step (400), wherein a conductor of a cable connection is connected to the second interface of the printed electric circuit assembly. Step is carried out before step or before step or before step.

[0033] With such plug connector it is possible to measure electrical shorts in jumper cables used to connect vehicles, such as trains. However, this is not the only application of connectors having the contact element according to the present disclosure.

[0034] Throughout the description, including the claims, the term “comprising a” should be understood as being synonymous with “comprising at least one” unless otherwise stated.

[0035] Although the present disclosure herein has been described with reference to particular examples, it is to be understood that these examples are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims. It is intended that combinations of the above-described aspects, elements and those within the specification may be made, except where otherwise contradictory.

[0036] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, are provided for illustration purposes and are not restrictive of the disclosure, as claimed.

[0037] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate examples of the disclosure and together with the description, and serve to support and illustrate the principles thereof.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be explained in more detail below.

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a cross section of a plug connector according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0040] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a contact element according to a first example of the present disclosure.

[0041] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the contact element according to Fig. 2.

[0042] Fig. 4 shows a plurality of contact elements according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3.

[0043] Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of a method of producing a contact element according to the examples of the present disclosure.

[0044] Fig. 6 shows a first perspective view of a contact element according to a second example of the present disclosure.

[0045] Fig. 7 shows a second perspective view of the contact element according to Fig. 6.

[0046] Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a module of the electric circuit assembly according to the second example of the present disclosure.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Reference will now be made in detail to examples of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0048] Fig. 1 shows a plug connector 1 according to an example of the present disclosure. The plug connector 1 comprises an insulating body 2 having a plurality of parallel through openings 3. The insulating body 2 is a module of the plug connector 1 , wherein, if necessary, the plug connector 1 can comprise several insulating bodies mounted in a housing of the plug connector 1 . In the following, reference is only made to a single insulating body 2. In one example, the insulating body 2 of the plug connector 1 can be mounted to a housing not shown herein. Alternatively, the insulating body 2 of the plug connector 1 can form the housing of the plug connector 1 .

[0049] Each through opening 3 of the insulating body 2 is configured to receive a respective one-piece electrical contact element 4a, 4b, 4c. The contact elements 4a, 4b, 4c are built identically and are arranged parallel to each other. Therefore, in the following description reference is made only to the first contact element 4a, wherein what has been and will be said for the first contact element 4a applies equally andanalogously to the other shown contact elements 4b, 4c as well as further contact elements not shown in these figures.

[0050] Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show the same exemplary contact element 4a, wherein Fig. 2 shows an insulating body 5 of the contact element 4a, which, for better understanding of the invention, is not illustrated in Fig. 3. The insulating body 5 of the contact element 4a consists of an insulating material formed as a casting compound, varnish, resin, silicone, fiber-reinforced plastic, or a combination thereof. The insulating body 5 provides an encapsulation of the components within.

[0051] According to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the contact element 4a comprises an electrically conductive first base body 6 and an electrically conductive second base body 7, wherein the base bodies 6, 7 are arranged coaxially and at a distance to each other. Fig. 3 shows in detail that an electric circuit assembly 8 is arranged between the first base body 6 and the second base body 7. The electric circuit assembly 8 comprises at least one conductor track 9, which electrically connects the base bodies 6, 7 when the electric circuit assembly 8 is mounted to the base bodies 6, 7. The contact element 4a is configured to conduct at least part of a current flow via the conductor track 9 of the electric circuit assembly 8. The base bodies 6, 7 each consist of a highly conductive material, for example copper, aluminum, brass, gold, platinum, or a combination thereof.

[0052] The electric circuit assembly 8 is encapsulated within said insulating body 5 of the contact element 4a shown in Fig. 2. It is conceivable that parts of the base bodies 6, 7 are also covered by the insulating material in order to improve the encapsulation effect.

[0053] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 the electric circuit assembly 8 is a printed circuit board (PCB), wherein the conductor track 9 is arranged on a board 10 of the electric circuit assembly 8. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show that the base bodies 6, 7 are both configured for crimping, meaning that the metal of the base bodies 6, 7 is each compressible and deformable by a crimping tool, creating a tight and secure connection with a wire or the like. It goes without saying that the base bodies 6, 7 can be formed according to a desired connection or link variant.

[0054] The base bodies 6, 7 each comprise a recess 11 configured such that a contact surface for receiving the electric circuit assembly 8 is provided in the recess 11 .The electric circuit assembly 8 is attached to the first base body 6 and the second base body 7 via the contact surfaces in the respective recess 11 of each base body 6, 7.

[0055] The electric circuit assembly 8 comprises a first electronic component 12 arranged on one side of the printed electric circuit assembly 8 and a second electronic component 13 arranged on the opposite side of the printed electric circuit assembly 8. Each electronic component 12, 13 is electrically connected to the conductor track 9. Hence, both electronic components 12, 13 are connected to each other via the conductor track 9.

[0056] In this embodiment, the first electronic component 12 is an integrated circuit (IC) which is configured to measure a current flow in the at least one conductor track and / or to measure a current intensity of a current flow in the at least one conductor track and / or to interrupt a current flow in the conductor track 9.

[0057] The second electronic component 13 can be a module for wireless communication between the contact element 4a and an external device, in particular an external controller board not shown herein. The second electronic component 13 comprises a first interface 14 configured for wireless communication with the external device.

[0058] The electric circuit assembly 8 comprises a second interface 15 for contacting a conductor of a cable connection 16 which comprises two cables 17, 18. According to Fig. 4, two adjacent contact elements 4a, 4b and 4b, 4c are connected with each other in a signal-transmitting manner via the cable connection 16 in order to obtain a chainlike wired serial connection between the contact elements 4a, 4b, 4c.

[0059] Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of a method of producing a contact element 4a, 4b, 4c described herein. A first base body 6, a second base body 7 and a electric circuit assembly 8 are provided in a first step 100. In a second step 200, the electric circuit assembly 8 is arranged spatially between the base bodies 6, 7 and then attached to the base bodies 6, 7, wherein in a step 300 a conductor track 9 of the electric circuit assembly 8 is electrically connected to the base bodies 6, 7. Since a cable connection 16 is provided between two adjacent contact elements 4a, 4b as well as 4b, 4c, in a step 400 conductors of said cable connections 16 are connected to the respective second interface 15 of the electric circuit assembly 8 of each contact element 4a, 4b, 4c such that the contact elements 4a, 4b, 4c are arranged in a chainlike or fairy light manner. In a following step 500, the electric circuit assembly 8 isfully encapsulated with an insulating material to obtain an insulating body 5, for example by curing the insulating material. The insulating body 5 as well as the base bodies 6, 7 have an essentially circular cross-section with an identical outer diameter such that a pin shaped contact element 4a, 4b, 4c is obtained by the manufacturing process described herein.

[0060] However, it is not necessary to encapsulate the electric circuit assembly 8 in a separate step. Therefore, encapsulation is optional.

[0061] In an alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the electric circuit assembly 8 comprises an electric circuit base structure 19 configured as a molded interconnect device (MID), in particular a three-dimensional molded interconnect device (3D-MID).

[0062] Analogous to the first embodiment, the base bodies 6, 7 are both configured for crimping. The base bodies 6, 7 each comprise a recess 11 configured such that a contact surface for each receiving a part of the injection molded base structure 19 as well as a segment 20 of a conductor track 9 arranged on a module 21 of the electric circuit assembly 8 is provided in the recess 11 . In addition to the conductor track 9, the module 21 has connections 22 for obtaining an electrical connection between the module 21 , which is configured to measure a current flow in the conductor track 9 and / or to measure a current intensity of a current flow in the conductor track 9 and / or to interrupt a current flow in the conductor track 9 and / or to control a current level and / or to control a voltage level, and the second electronic component 13 also arranged on the base structure 19. The module 21 therefore comprises the first electronic component 12 according to this disclosure. The segments 20 of the conductor track 9 and the connections 22 are shown in Fig. 8. The segments 20 of the conductor track 9 and the connections 22 are arranged in a housing 23 of the module 19.

[0063] The base structure 19 of the electric circuit assembly 8 comprises integrated conductive traces not shown herein, which electrically connect the connections 22 of the module 21 to the second electronic component 13. The conductive traces are applied to the surface of the base structure 19. The second electronic component 13 can also have a number of connections not shown herein, which are electrically connected to the conductive traces.

[0064] In this embodiment it is not necessary to encapsulate the electric circuit assembly 8 in a separate step. However, encapsulation is optional.

[0065] Aspects of the embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A one-piece electrical contact element (4a, 4b, 4c) for a plug connector (1), comprising one electrically conductive first base body (6) and one electrically conductive second base body (7) arranged coaxially with respect to a centre axis and at a distance to each other, and one electric circuit assembly (8), which is arranged between and in alignment with the first base body (6) and the second base body (7) and electrically connects the base bodies (6, 7) via at least one conductor track (9), wherein the electric circuit assembly (8) is configured such that the one-piece electrical contact element (4a, 4b, 4c) has no projection of the electric circuit assembly (8) relative to the first base body (6) and the second base body (7), wherein the contact element (4a, 4b, 4c) is configured to conduct at least part of a current flow via the at least one conductor track (9) of the electric circuit assembly (8), and wherein the electric circuit assembly (8) forms part of exactly one one-piece electrical contact element (4a, 4b, 4c)..

2. The contact element (4a, 4b, 4c) of claim 1 , wherein the electric circuit assembly (8) comprises a printed circuit board, and wherein the at least one conductor track (9) is arranged on a board of said printed circuit board, which is mechanically attached to the first base body (6) and the second base body (7).

3. The contact element (4a, 4b, 4c) of claim 1 , wherein the contact element (4a, 4b, 4c) is at least partially encapsulated in an electrically insulating manner.

4. The contact element (4a, 4b, 4c) of claim 1 , wherein the electric circuit assembly (8) comprises an electric circuit base structure configured as a molded interconnect device.

5. The contact element (4a, 4b, 4c) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a first electronic component (12) integral with the electric circuitassembly (8), wherein the first electronic component (12) is connected to the at least one conductor track (9).

6. The contact element (4a, 4b, 4c) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second electronic component (13) integral with the electric circuit assembly (8), wherein the second electronic component (13) is connected to the first electronic component (12) and / or the at least one conductor track (9).

7. The contact element (4a, 4b, 4c) according to claim 6, wherein the second electronic component (13) comprises a first interface (14) configured for wireless communication with an external device.

8. The contact element (4a, 4b, 4c) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric circuit assembly (8) comprises a second interface (15) for contacting a conductor of a cable connection (16).

9. A plug connector (1), comprising at least one one-piece electrical contact element (4a) according to any one of the preceding claims and an insulating body (2) having a plurality of through openings (3), wherein each through opening (3) is configured to receive the respective one-piece electrical contact element (4a).

10. The plug connector (1) according to claim 9, comprising two or more one-piece electrical contact elements (4a, 4b, 4c), the one-piece electrical contact elements (4a, 4b, 4c) being connected to each other in a signal-transmitting manner via a respective interface.

11. The plug connector (1) according to claim 10, wherein the one-piece electrical contact elements (4a, 4b, 4c) are connected in series.

12. A method of producing a one-piece contact element (4a, 4b, 4c) according to any one of the claims 1 to 9, comprising the following steps:(100) providing a first base body (6), a second base body (7), and an electric circuit assembly (8) having at least one conductor track (9),(200) arranging the electric circuit assembly (8) spatially between and in alignment with the base bodies (6, 7) and attaching the electric circuit assembly (8) to the base bodies (6, 7), and(300) contacting the at least one conductor track (9) to each base body (6, 7), thereby forming a permanent electrical connection between the at least one conductor track (9) and each base body (6, 7).

13. The method according to claim 12; further comprising the step:(500) covering at least part of the electric circuit assembly (8) with an insulating material to obtain an insulating body (2).

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